Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

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What is a simple sentence?

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A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'The dog barks.'

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'

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What is a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or independent clauses. The main coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

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Where should the comma go in a compound sentence?

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A comma should be placed before the coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses. Example: 'I wanted to go to the park, but it was closed.'

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Identify the sentence type: 'The cat slept on the mat.'

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Simple sentence.

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Identify the sentence type: 'She likes to read, and he likes to write.'

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Compound sentence.

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Identify the sentence type: 'Because it was raining, we stayed inside.'

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Complex sentence.

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb. Example: 'She enjoys painting.'

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction. Example: 'Although she was tired...'